DISCLAIMER: Settings, characters ideas, scenes, etc, from Labyrinth are (c) Henson, Lucas, Froud, Lee, Bowie, Connelly, etc and are NOT MINE. Anti-gravity also slightly borrowed from the Fred Astaire movie "Royal Wedding". I do not advocate theft, in a general sense. But I don't complain when a Goblin King wants to steal a kiss.

This is one of a few stories written in thanks to spike30 (on deviantArt) for taking some of my suggestions for cosplay pics. There's a link to his dA page on my profile here.
Stay tuned for A/N after.

Steal an Hour

Despite my title, my position, my role in our realm, I do sometimes revert to using certain mundane phrases. Less frequently now than when I was first married, rarely out loud, and never around those whose misunderstanding of my meaning would truly cause problems.

This evening, I stole an hour. The day's duties were officially done, although a true monarch is never really finished. I watched my husband, my Goblin King, cuddle our baby. There are some in positions of power who shunt their offspring to the fringes, seeing them only seldom, and initiating physical contact only when absolutely necessary, as for various Ceremonies. I was pleased and surprised to learn very early in our parenthood that Jareth and I share the opinion that it is absolutely necessary to have lots of daily, affectionate, physical contact with each child, however many we have.

This evening, I stole an hour. I saw my lord walk all six dimensions of the room, in a steady pace that calmed and distracted the bairn. His protection against all harm extended by touch, the littlest Fae-let never knew when she was upside down or sideways.

This evening, I stole an hour. My love, stretched out there on the carpet, so relaxed as he cuddled our youngest. I had a rush of memory, and reveled in the continuity: I had seen him thus with each of our children before, and knew an inner spring of joy at the love that each child would grow into.

This evening, I stole an hour. I sat on our settee, and watched my heart's mate hold our creation. At first, the babe fought sleep, but she couldn't defy her father's tenderness and strength, or his ability to soothe through song.

This evening, I stole an hour. Dreams fulfilled in my own home, in front of my very eyes, as I saw my erstwhile villain demonstrate his compassion and commitment, his patience and humor. I smiled, and murmured an apology that I ever doubted his capacity in such things.

This evening, I stole an hour. The nursery full, I rested on our settee. I watched my husband sleep, stretched out with his head on my lap. I played with his hair, lightly brushing it out of his face, untangled the locks mussed by our baby. He reached up and captured my hand, even in fatigue seeking to confirm my presence. I bent to press my lips lightly along his forehead, even as his hand caressed me.

This evening, we stole an hour.

Except a Goblin King who re-orders time has no need to steal it, so we enjoyed spending it.

A/N: This series of story (yes... I said "series") might turn out to be related to or linked to something else of mine. We'll see how it pans out. At least one of the other stories written in payment are not part of this series.

There's a WONDERFUL cosplay pic of spike30 that helped to inspire this story. Link is in my profile.

Un-Beta'd: Beware of Typos. You spot 'em, I want 'em!